‘X Factor Australia’ 2016 latest news: Aya bows down in an emotional exit; fiercest rival Beatz dominates the final showdown [VIDEOS]

For the second time this season, “X Factor Australia” 2016 delivered another stunning elimination episode that caught everyone blindsided.

In a surprising twist, the hottest rivals in this year’s competition, girl groups Beatz and Aya, found themselves in the bottom two. The female trios then had to fight for their spot in the hit singing reality show in a final showdown. As expected, Beatz gave an energetic rendition of “Bang Bang” by Ariana Grande, Jessie J and Nicki Minaj. Aya, on the other hand, relied heavily on their vocals as they performed “Domino” by Jessie J.

Before “X Factor Australia” host Jason Dundas announced the results, he asked judges Adam Lambert, Guy Sebastian, Iggy Azalea and Mel B who’s getting their votes. Iggy, who of course chose her team Aya, got Adam on her side. The two insisted that Aya simply had the better vocal quality compared to their rival. On the opposite side, Mel B’s Beatz received the vote of Guy, who reminded everyone that the show is not just about vocals but the whole performance.

Jason then made everyone wait in pure torture before announcing the voters’ heartbreaking decision: it was Aya’s turn to say goodbye to “X Factor Australia.” A hush fell inside the venue, with both girl groups in tears. For their parting words, Aya thanked their supporters and their mentor. “Being able to work with Iggy is amazing. We couldn’t ask for a better mentor,” they said. Iggy, for her part, assured the girls that this is just the beginning for them. “I think that there are big things to come and I will make sure of it,” the Australian rapper promised.

Aya, formerly known as Chai and Montage, is composed of powerful singers Cat, Vita and Calmel. They won over the judges with their performance of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” as their audition piece. Iggy, however, advised them to change their name. The three, who then called themselves Montage, won a spot in Iggy’s three seat challenge with their sassy rendition of “Break Free” by Arianna Grande. Despite their lack of movement, the girls definitely made up for it with their vocals. Apparently, it was enough – they managed to steal the seat from another girl group, Beatz, who’s now part of judge Mel B’s Underdogs category.

[READ: “Groups take on the three seat challenge; Brentwood, Montage and Time and Place are Iggy Azalea’s top three”]

During the first live show of “X Factor Australia” 2016, Cat, Vita and Calmel made their debut as Aya. They sang “Secret Love Song” by Little Mix, which earned a standing ovation from all four judges. The following week, they performed “End of Time” by Beyonce, which seemed to be Iggy’s attempt to prove that the girls could do an upbeat number. While Aya got a standing ovation from Iggy and Adam, Guy felt like the song didn’t highlight their voices. For Mel B, on the other hand, the female trio should have left the dancing to Beatz.

Aya recognises that they’re strength is more on vocals. In a jest, they said that their secret weapon in live shows is their dance moves. [READ: “Girl group AYA reveals their secret weapon for the live shows”]

Here is Aya’s last live performance on stage:

Source: YouTube/The X Factor Australia

Below is the epic showdown between Aya and Beatz:

Source: YouTube/The X Factor Australia

Source: YouTube/The X Factor Australia

Stay tuned for more "X Factor Australia" 2016 spoilers. Find out what happens next on “X Factor Australia," which airs Sundays at 7:00 pm and Mondays at 7:30 pm on Channel Seven.